Genevieve Reynolds, partner of customer & brand at Tenet Advisory & Investments is the next guest writer in the latest instalment of the IMAA’s Female Leaders of Tomorrow program, following on from last year’s series. Reynolds, delves into the power of female mentorship, the importance of diverse leadership, and why there’s no single blueprint for success.
1. How did you get involved (and why) in this program specifically?
The very wonderful Margie Reid from Thinkerbell recommended me to the program, and I’m so glad she did. I got involved because I, like many other women, care deeply about how I can use my experience and influence to help other women navigate and build their own style of leadership in a system that isn’t designed for them.
I love that this program exists, because it is hard for women to find mentors and coaches outside of their organisations, and often really difficult to ask for mentorship. This program plays a really important role and has a history of positive impact for mentees and mentors alike.
2. Why is mentoring women in the industry so important for its future success?
Women’s experience of leadership is often fundamentally different to men’s. That’s not a point of view, it’s a fact. Those differences shape everything from career progression to how leadership is perceived and rewarded. Women benefit from learning from other women who have learnt the lessons first-hand and can pass them on.
Also, the media industry is an important one. Media shapes how stories are told, how people see themselves, how people see others, and how people interact with brands. Therefore, it directly influences culture, belonging, representation and social norms. A diverse media sector is paramount to societal health, so we need to support women at every opportunity we get.
3. Who are/were your mentors, and what did you learn from them?
I haven’t had a formal mentor, but I’ve been fortunate to learn from extraordinary women throughout my life and career. My grandmother was the only woman to graduate from her cohort at secondary school and went on to become a paediatrician and help (literally) millions of women from hundreds of countries manage their fertility. My mum was an incredible teacher who had a way of connecting with all sorts of people like no one I have ever met or am likely to meet. And I’ve been lucky to work alongside many exceptional leaders and colleagues who continue to teach me every day.
Three women stand out in particular: Margie Reid, my first-ever boss, and a great example of a values-driven leader who balances genuine morality, impeccable client service and an unwavering commitment to fun; Nicky Bryson, whose clever mind sees things others can’t and whose ability to unpack why things are the way they are is genuinely mind-blowing and eye-opening; and Bianca Meek, my Partner in Melbourne at Tenet Advisory & Investments, who is equal parts brilliant, dedicated, loyal and wholly good, and whom I have the privilege of watching achieve greatness at work while being an incredible mum to her two children.
4. If you could offer one piece of advice to all future leaders, what would it be and why?
I have a lot of thoughts on this, especially as Bianca and I spent three months this year interviewing almost 100 senior women about their experiences of leadership. I learnt so much, and we uncovered so much incredible advice, but one thing stands out as relevant to all: there is no single right way to lead.
The best leaders don’t follow a rule book. Leadership isn’t about performing a role or copying someone else’s style. Be clear on who you are, what strengths you bring, and lead from there.
